Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem
Sergio Franchi Lyrics
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Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
The song "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" is a hymn that speaks of the peacefulness of the town where Jesus Christ was born. The first two lines describe Bethlehem as being still and peaceful, with the stars shining silently above. However, the next two lines reveal that there is more to the town than meets the eye. Despite its dark streets, Bethlehem is the source of the everlasting light - the light of Christ. This light represents the hopes and fears of all the years, because through His birth and sacrifice, Christ will bring salvation and hope to humanity.
The second verse reveals that it was Mary who gave birth to Christ, and that while she and Christ were surrounded by angels, the mortals slept peacefully. The Morning Stars announced the Miracle of the Savior's birth, and sang praises to the holy King, proclaiming peace to men on Earth. The final verse repeats the first verse, reiterating the beauty and mystery of Bethlehem, the sacred place where the light of Christ shone out over the darkness of the world.
Overall, the lyrics of "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" are a beautiful and peaceful representation of the town where Christ was born, emphasizing the mystical light that shone out from it, and its significance to mankind as the birthplace of Christ. It is a hymn that is sung every Christmas, reminding us of the hope and peace that Christ brought to the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
The singer observes the peaceful city of Bethlehem and notes how undisturbed it appears.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The singer highlights the serene atmosphere in Bethlehem, with even the stars floating by quietly.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Although the streets are dark, there is still a constant light shining in Bethlehem, representing the eternal nature of hope and faith.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
Bethlehem is a symbol of both the anxieties and dreams of humanity, and tonight they are united in one place with the birth of Christ.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
The singer acknowledges the religious significance of Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, who is descended from Mary.
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
The angels remain attentive and vigilant while everyone else is asleep, watching over the birth of Christ with love and amazement.
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
The stars shining in the sky also serve as witnesses to Christ's holy birth, joining in a collective proclamation of joy and wonder.
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
The singer joins the chorus of voices praising God the king and wishing peace upon all people on earth.
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
The opening line is repeated, emphasizing the peacefulness and stillness of Bethlehem even as momentous events are taking place.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Once again, the singer notes the quietness of Bethlehem and how everything seems undisturbed.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The contrast between the darkness of the streets and the perpetual light shining within them is emphasized once again.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
The final line is a reiteration of the central theme: that Bethlehem is a place where all the yearnings and anxieties of humanity converge with the birth of Christ.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Lewis H Redner, Phillip Brooks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind